Fastener for securing together two panels

ABSTRACT

A fastener is provided for securing a first panel to a second panel. The fastener includes a stud insertable through apertures in the first and second panels. A handle pivotally connected to a stud head and pivotal between an upright position and a folded. A biasing assembly is connected to the stud head and the handle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head. A fastener is also provided for securing together the first and second panels, including a grommet, a receptacle and an insert in threaded engagement with an interior of the receptacle. The receptacle may be a rivet nut.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/850,092, filed on Sep. 10, 2015, and is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to quick connect fasteners for holdingpanels, other components, together and, more particularly, to ¼ turnfasteners which can be fastened and unfastened quickly and repeatedly.

As can be seen from Prior Art FIG. 1, fasteners 110 of the ¼ turn typehave been known which include a grommet 112, a stud 114 and a receptacle116. The fastener 110 holds together two panels 118 and 120, withadjacent sides of the panels in contact with one another, by extendingthrough openings 122 and 124 formed in the panels to receive thefastener. The grommet 112 has a cylindrical body 126 sized to extendthrough the opening 122 in one of the panels 118, usually an outerpanel, and one end of the cylindrical body 126 has a radially outwardextending flange 128 to engage the outer surface of the outer panel 118.The stud 114 has a shaft 130, a head 132, a cross pin 134 extendingthrough the shaft at an end opposite to the head, a cup member 136slidable along the shaft and a spring on the shaft between the head andcup member and received in the cup member.

The receptacle 116 of the fastener 110 has a generally cylindrical body142 and a flange 144 projecting radially outward from one end of thebody. The receptacle body 142 defines a central opening and has cam andlocking surfaces 146 defined at an end opposite the radially outwardextending receptacle flange 144. The panels 118 and 120 are broughttogether so that the stud 114 and the receptacle 116 are in alignment.The head 132 of the stud 114 is engaged by a turning tool pushedinwardly against the bias of the spring, and turned ¼ turn with thecross pin 134 of the 130 in engagement with the cam and locking surfaces146 of the receptacle 116. This action locks the fastener 110 in placewith the two panels 118 and 120 in secure engagement with one another.

Although the fastener 110 employs a turning tool to turn the stud head132 and engage the cross pin 134 with the receptacle 116, other suchfasteners may include a folding handle pivotally attached to the studhead, to perform this step. In an upright position, the folding handleis used to turn the stud head and can then be pivoted out of the wayinto a folded position after the stud head is turned. For example,folding rings have been used as such a folding handle in ¼ turnfasteners and include projections which are received within the studhead, to pivotally attach the folding rings to the stud head. However,one drawback of these folding handles is they may become dislodged fromthe stud head with minimum torsional force while being used to turn thestud head.

Another drawback of such ¼ turn fasteners is that they may requireaccess to the back of the supporting panel 120, in order to secure theflange 144 to the panel 118. However, in many applications one is notable to access certain areas of a panel. Although fastening devices thatinclude fastener receptacles that are referred to as rivet nuts ornutserts are known which do not require access to a back of thesupporting panel, these fastener receptacles (rivet nuts or nutserts)are not capable of direct engagement with such ¼ turn fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a fastener is provided for securing a first panel toa second panel, where the first panel and the second panel each includean aperture for receiving the fastener. The fastener includes a studinsertable through the aperture in the first panel and engageable withthe second panel to secure the first panel to the second panel. The studhas one end that is insertable through the apertures and a stud headdistal to the end. The fastener further includes a pivoting handleassembly with a handle operatively connected to the stud head. Thehandle is pivotal between an upright position in which the handle isgenerally perpendicular to the first panel, and a folded position inwhich the handle is generally parallel to the first panel. The fastenerfurther includes a biasing mechanism connected to the stud head and thehandle that biases the handle outward relative to the stud head. Thefastener further includes a locking pin connected to the stud head andthe handle and in connection with the biasing mechanism to hold thehandle in the upright position or the folded position.

In another embodiment, a fastener is provided for securing a first panelto a second panel, where the first panel and the second panel eachinclude an aperture for receiving the fastener. The fastener includes astud insertable through the aperture in the first panel and engageablewith the second panel to secure the first panel to the second panel. Thestud has one end that is insertable through the apertures and a studhead distal to the end. The fastener also includes a pivoting handleassembly that has a handle operatively connected to the stud head. Thehandle is pivotal between an upright position in which the handle isgenerally perpendicular to the first panel, and a folded position inwhich the handle is generally parallel to the first panel. The pivotinghandle assembly also includes a biasing mechanism disposed in a centralboring of a block of the stud head, and an axle of the handle disposedwithin a slot of the block, where the axle is disposed perpendicular tothe biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism biases the axleoutward relative to the stud head.

In another embodiment, a fastener is provided for securing together afirst panel to a second panel, where the first panel and the secondpanel each include an aperture for receiving the fastener. A first sideof the first panel and the second panel are facing each other, and asecond side of each is facing away from each other. The fastenerincludes a grommet with an opening and a radially outwardly extendingflange for engaging the second side of the first panel. The fasteneralso includes a receptacle that is a rivet nut mounted to the first sideof the second panel and with a central opening facing the first side ofthe first panel and aligned with the respective apertures of the firstpanel and second panel. The fastener further includes an insert inthreaded engagement with an interior surface of the rivet nut receptacleand the insert having cam and locking surfaces for engaging a cross pinof a stud having been inserted through the grommet.

In other aspects, the invention may comprise a fastener for securing afirst panel to a second panel, wherein the first panel and the secondpanel each include an aperture and the apertures are aligned forreceiving the fastener. The fastener may comprise a stud including ashaft, a head at a first end of the shaft and distal to a second end ofthe shaft, wherein the shaft and second end of the shaft are insertablethrough the apertures in the first and second panels. A handle ispivotally connected to the head of the stud. A spring disposed along theshaft between the head of the stud and the second end of the shaft. Agrommet has a flange portion and cylindrical body connected to theflange and cylindrical body surrounds at least a portion of the springand at least a portion of the shaft. A retainer ring is disposed on theshaft between the head of the stud and the second end of the shaft. Aspacer is positioned between the handle and spring, and the spacer is incontact with the handle and spring; and, wherein the spring has a topend in contact with the spacer and a bottom end in contact with theretainer ring when in an unlocked position and in contact with aninterior surface of the cylindrical body of the grommet, when in alocked position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the invention will become more apparentfrom the following description in view of the drawings. Similarstructures illustrated in more than one figure are numbered consistentlyamong the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross section of a prior art fastener holding two panelstogether;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fastener installed in two panelsaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial section view of the fastener according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C include various views of a receptacle with a fastener insertaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A-5D include various views of a receptacle with a fastener insertand a lock cap according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the pivoting handle assembly and stud/cupretainer assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B include views of the pivoting handle assembly according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8B include sectional views of the pivoting handle assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9B include views of the shaft for the pivoting handle assemblyaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 includes a perspective view of the handle according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 includes a perspective view of a handle according to analternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an embodiment in accordance with aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial sectional view of the fastener componentsassembled.

FIG. 14A is a sectional view of the fastener in FIG. 13 taken along line14-14, wherein the fastener is in an unlocked position.

FIG. 14B is sectional view of the fastener of FIGS. 13 and 14A, whereinthe fastener is in a locked position.

FIG. 15A is an elevational view of a threaded insert in accordance withaspects of the invention.

FIG. 15B is a top view of the threaded insert of FIG. 15A

FIG. 16A is an elevational view of a rivet nut receptacle in accordancewith aspects of the invention.

FIG. 16B is a top view of the rivet nut receptacle of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a sectional view of an embodiment of the fastener in anunlocked position accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 17A in a lockedposition.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the fastener of FIGS. 17A and 17B

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a grommet of the fastener of FIGS. 17Aand 17B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, a fastener, which is designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 10, is of the ¼ turn type, having agrommet 12, a stud 14, and a receptacle 16, and may incorporate thevarious inventions described and claimed herein. While components of theinvention are described in reference to a ¼ turn fastener, theinventions and their parts may be used with other types of quick-releasefasteners such as 2× and 4× threaded fasteners.

The fastener 10 holds together two panels 18 and 20, with adjacent sidesof the panels in contact with one another, by extending through openingsformed in the panels to receive the fastener 10. While the inventionsmay be described in terms of securing together two panels, theinventions are not intended to be so limited and could be used to securetogether various types of components of structures, machines etc.

The grommet 12 has a cylindrical body sized to extend through theopening in one of the panels 18, usually an outer panel, and one end ofthe cylindrical body has a radially outward extending flange 28 toengage the outer surface of the outer panel 18. The other end of thecylindrical body has a radially outwardly extending shoulder or flangeto engage a retaining ring 19 for retaining the grommet 12 on the outerpanel 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the stud 14 has a shaft 30, a head 32 and across pin 38 extending through an opening 39 in the shaft 30 at an end41 opposite to the head 32. A cup member 36 is slidable along the shaft30 and a spring 34 on the shaft 30 between the head 32 and cup member 36biases the stud 14 relative to the panel 18. This arrangement keeps thehead 32 of the stud 14 biased by the spring 34 slightly outward from theradially outward extending flange 28 at the outer side of the outerpanel 18. The end 41 of the shaft 30 extends through an opening in theouter panel 18, and the cross pin 38 positioned in the opening 39 in theshaft 30, prevent the assembly of the grommet 12 and the stud 14 fromseparating from the outer panel 18.

As shown in FIGS. 6-11, the stud 14 includes a pivoting handle assembly40, and as will be explained in more detail below the handle assembly 40controls the manipulation of the stud 14 relative to the receptacle 16to secure the panels 18 and 20. The receptacle 16 may be the typedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180 (the '180 Patent); U.S. Pat. No.5,795,122 (the '122 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,843 (the '843 Patent);and, U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,329 (the '329 Patent), which are incorporatedherein by reference. In another embodiment, the receptacle 16 shown inFIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5A-5D may be of a rivet nut type installed on abackside of panel 20 that may not otherwise be accessible afterinstallation of panel 20.

More specifically, the receptacle 16 (or rivet nut) is inserted througha hole in the inside panel 20, which may have a counter bore in whichflange 42 is seated. A rivet screw (not shown), which is known to thoseskilled in the art for securing rivet nuts to panels, frame members andthe like, is then inserted and threaded into the receptacle 16 to crimpthe outer surface of the receptacle against a backside of the panel 20forming the bulge 44 anchoring the receptacle 16 to the panel 20. Aninsert 48 (or barrel member) is then passed through a central opening ofthe receptacle 16 and secured within the receptacle 16, similar to thoseinserts or barrel members described in the '180, '122, '843 and '329Patents having external threads that engage the internal threads of thereceptacle 16. The insert 48 also includes a central opening largeenough to receive the end 41 of the shaft 30 of the stud 14. Asillustrated in FIGS. 4B-4C, diametrically opposed curved slots 49, 51are provided on the insert 48 for receiving the cross pin 38 of the stud14. These slots 49, 51 form cam and locking surfaces leading to apicesbeyond which the slots 49, 51 curve back toward and end of the insert 48facing the grommet 12 to define locking surfaces for the cross pin 38.Depending on the panel 18, 20 thicknesses and the length of the studshaft 30, the insert 48 is threaded into the receptacle 16 until theinsert 48 is positioned at a correct depth setting, such that the slots49, 51 are positioned to define the cam and locking surfaces with thecross pin 38.

After the insert 48 has been positioned at the correct depth settingwithin the receptacle 16, the insert 48 is locked or affixed within thereceptacle 16 so the position of the insert 48 is not longitudinallyadjustable within the receptacle 16, using various methods. In oneembodiment, the insert 48 may be treated with an adhesive such asLoctite® to lock or affix the insert 48 in the receptacle 16. In anotherembodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the receptacle 16 may have externalthreads 102 for receiving a lock cap 100 and lock the insert 48 in thereceptacle 16. Internal threads 110 of the cap 100 engage the externalthreads 102 of the receptacle 16, to compress the receptacle 16 againstthe insert 48. In an exemplary embodiment, a circumference of the cap100 or the receptacle 16 may be tapered from one end to another end,including external tapered threads 102 on the receptacle 16 and internaltapered threads 110 on the cap 100. This tapered arrangement of the cap100 and the receptacle 16 enhances the compressive force exerted by thereceptacle 16 on the insert 48, as the external tapered threads 102 ofthe receptacle 16 engage with internal tapered threads 110 of the cap100. By threadably engaging the cap 100 over the receptacle 16, thereceptacle 16 is pressed inward against the insert 48, thereby lockingthe insert 48 within the receptacle 16 and preventing the insert 48 frombecoming dislodged from the receptacle 16. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, aplurality of slots 103 are formed along the external threads 102 of thereceptacle 16, to divide the external threads 102 of the receptacle 16into compressible sections that bend inward and press against the insert48, upon engagement of the internal threads 110 of the cap 100 with theexternal threads 102 of the receptacle 16. As illustrated in FIG. 5B,the receptacle 16 includes a tapered end 105 at one end beyond theexternal threads 102, where an outer diameter of the tapered end 105decreases towards the end of the receptacle 16. Upon the threadedengagement of the cap 100 with the receptacle 16, a seat 107 at anopening 16A of the cap 100 engages the tapered end 105 and presses thetapered end 105 inward against the insert 48, to lock the insert 48within the receptacle 16 and prevent rotation of the insert 48. In anexemplary embodiment, an inner diameter of the seat 107 at the opening16A is less than an outer diameter of the tapered end 105, to enhancethe compressive force of the seat 107 against the tapered end 105. Whilethis particular invention including the lock cap 100 is shown incombination with rivet nut receptacle 16, this invention is intended tobe used with other fastener receptacles, and in particular ¼ turnfastener receptacles. For example, the invention could be used with the¼ fasteners of the '180, '122, '843 and '329 Patents.

After the insert 48 is locked within the receptacle 16, structuralcomponents are provided to prevent loosening of the insert 48 from itslocked position within the receptacle 16. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, anO-ring 104 is seated in a groove 106 on an exterior of the receptacle 16spaced from the bulge 44 toward the end of the receptacle 16 opposite tothe flange 42. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the groove 106 and O-ring 104are disposed adjacent to the external threads 102. The cap 100 isinternally threaded with internal threads 110. As the cap 100 isthreaded onto the receptacle 16 radial forces or torsional forces areapplied to the receptacle 16 and consequently the insert 48. The cap 100includes an internal groove 108 that seats against the O-ring 104 whenthe cap 100 is tightened on the receptacle 16 so that when the internalgroove 108 engages the O-ring 104, a predetermined amount of torque isrequired to longitudinally adjust the insert 48 within the receptacle16. The engagement between the internal groove 108 and the O-ring 104may be biased such that a level of resistance during tightening of theinternal groove 108 on the O-ring 104 is greater than a level ofresistance during loosening of the internal groove 108 from the O-ring104. The engagement between the internal groove 108 and the O-ringprevents longitudinal adjustment of the insert 48 within the receptacle16, as may occur when the panels 18, 20 and fastener 10 are subjected tovibrational forces. To that end, the O-ring 104 is positioned at apredetermined location relative to the end of the receptacle 16 suchthat when the internal groove 108 engages the O-ring 104 a set number ofturns or rotations of the cap 100 will set the predetermined torqueamount. This torque amount can then be adjusted by longitudinallyadjusting the position of the insert 48 in the receptacle 16.

The pivoting handle assembly 40 is shown in detail in FIGS. 6-11 andincludes a handle 50 operatively connected to the head 32 of the stud 14to fold or pivot between an upright position (FIG. 8A) whereby thehandle 50 is generally perpendicular to the panel 18 and a foldedposition (FIG. 8B) whereby the handle 50 is generally parallel to thepanel 18. In the upright position, the handle 50 generally enables thequick turning of the stud 14 in the grommet 12 and receptacle 16 toquickly unfasten the outer panel 18 relative the inner panel 20 withoutthe need of any specialized tools that fit the fastener 10. When afastener 10 is installed the handle 50 may be pivoted to the foldedposition so the handle 50 is not in an obstructive position. Inaddition, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the stud head 32 including a block54 and a platform 56 prevent the handle 50 from pivoting past thisfolded position and striking the panel 18 surface.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B, the head 32 of the stud 14 includes theblock 54 formed on an enlarged area referred to as a platform 56. Asillustrated in FIG. 9B, a central boring 63 is formed through the block54 and the platform 56 for receiving a biasing mechanism 60 such as acoil/compression spring or one or more spring washers. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the biasing mechanism 60 is a compression spring.The biasing mechanism 60 biases the handle 50 or components of thehandle against locking surfaces to lock the handle 50 to the stud 14. Asshown in FIG. 6, a flat washer 58 may be disposed between the biasingmechanism 60 and the handle 50 to provide planar surfaces that engagethe biasing mechanism 60 and handle 50.

The handle 50 includes a main body 62 for grasping and an axle 64 spacedfrom the main body 62 with an opening 66 there between. The axle 64 isinserted and disposed within a slot 68 (see, FIGS. 9A-9B) that extendsthrough the block 54 laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of thestud 14. A locking pin 70 extends through apertures 72 in the block 54and the opening 66. Thus, the axle 64 is disposed between the biasingmechanism 60 and the pin 70. The biasing mechanism 60 biases the axle64/handle 50 outward relative to the boring 63, the block 54 and thestud head 32 and against the pin 70, and thus locks the handle 50 to thestud head 32. As shown in FIG. 10, the axle 64 includes an indentation74 on or in which the pin 70 is seated. The biasing mechanism 60 biasesthe indentation 74 against the pin 70, locking the handle 50 on theshaft head 32 and thereby preventing or minimizing lateral movement ofthe handle 50. FIG. 11 illustrates an additional embodiment of a handle50′ with an axle 64′ that includes an indentation 74′ to seat the pin 70and lock the handle 50′ to the stud head 32. The axle 64′ also includesa pair of legs 76′, 78′ at opposing ends of the axle 64′ that extendoutside the slot 68, when the axle 64′ is disposed within the slot 68,and support the handle 50′ on the platform 56 of the block 54 bypreventing the handle 50′ from tilting back and forth when the handle50′ is in the upright position. Additionally, the legs 76′, 78′ preventthe handle 50′ from shifting laterally back and forth within the slot 68when in the upright position, since the legs 76′, 78′ maintain theindentation 74′ in engagement with the pin 70. Additionally, the legs76′, 78′ inhibit downward movement of the handle 50′ that would compressthe biasing mechanism 60 and unlock the pin 70 from the indentation 74′.

While the FIGS. 2, 3 and 6-11 illustrate the pivoting handle assembly 40in connection with a ¼ turn fastener, the assembly 40 may be used withother types of quick-release fasteners such as quick release screwfasteners, push to lock fasteners, 2× and 4× threaded fasteners.

With respect to FIGS. 12-14 an embodiment of a fastener 210 is shown.The fastener 210 is of the ¼ turn type, having a grommet 212, a stud214, and a receptacle 216, and may incorporate the various inventionsdescribed and claimed herein. While components of the invention aredescribed in reference to a ¼ turn fastener, the inventions and theirparts may be used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as 2×and 4× threaded fasteners.

The fastener 210 holds together two panels 218, 220, (FIG. 13) withadjacent sides of the panels 218, 220 in contact with one another, byextending through openings formed in the panels to receive the fastener210. While the inventions may be described in terms of securing togethertwo panels, the inventions are not intended to be so limited and couldbe used to secure together various types of components of structures,machines etc.

The grommet 212 has a cylindrical body 213 sized to extend through theopening in one of the panels, usually an outer panel, and one end of thecylindrical body has a radially outward extending flange 228 to engagethe outer surface of the outer panel. The other end of the cylindricalbody has a radially outwardly extending shoulder or flange 227 to engagea retaining ring 219 for retaining the grommet 12 on the outer panel218.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14, the stud 214 has a shaft 230, a head232 and a cross pin 238 extending through an opening 239 in the shaft230 at an end 241 opposite to the head 232. The end 241 of the shaft 230extends through an opening in the outer panel 218, and the cross pin 238positioned in the opening 239 in the shaft 30, to prevent the assemblyof the grommet 212 and the stud 214 from separating from the outer panel218. In addition, when panels are secured together, the shaft 230 isinserted through apertures in each of the panels 218 and 220, thegrommet 212 and into the receptacle 216. More specifically, the crosspin 238 engages cam and locking surfaces 224 of an insert 248 disposedwithin the receptacle 216. A handle 250 connected to the head 232 of thestud 214 enables manipulation of the stud 214 relative to the grommet212 and receptacle 216 for securing together panels 218, 220. Althoughnot shown in the drawings, the cylindrical body 213 of the grommet 212may include one or more notches for manipulation of the cross-pin 238and shaft 230 to insert the same through the grommet. The notchespreferably include two diametrically opposed notches to accommodate thecross-pin 238, which may be used for cylindrical bodies that are 1½inches in length or longer.

The receptacle 216 may be the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180(the '180 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,122 (the '122 Patent); U.S. Pat.No. 7,997,843 (the '843 Patent); and, U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,329 (the '329Patent), which are incorporated herein by reference. In anotherembodiment, the receptacle 216 shown in FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5A-5D, and12-14, 16A and 16B may be of a rivet nut type installed on a backside ofpanel 220 that may not otherwise be accessible after installation ofpanel 220. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the receptacle 216 is threadedinternally for receiving the insert 248, which is threaded externally.The insert 248 includes a central boring 225 and cam and lockingsurfaces 224 to receive the shaft 230 and cross pin 238 and securetogether panels 218, 220.

Also shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is a locking mechanism 245 disposedbetween the receptacle 216 and insert 248 to prevent rotation of theinsert 248 relative to the receptacle 216 after the insert 248 has beenset in a desired position. The locking mechanism 245 includes a groove246, semi-cylindrical in cross section, drilled in the inner annularsurface of the receptacle 216 in a direction generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the receptacle 216 and a groove 247,semi-cylindrical in cross section, drilled in the outer annular surfaceof the insert 248 in a direction parallel to the direction of the groove246 in the receptacle 216.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the insert includes twodiametrically opposed grooves 247, and the receptacle 216 includes asingle groove 246. While this embodiment includes two grooves 247 on theinsert, a single groove may be sufficient. The grooves 246, 247 in thereceptacle 216 and the insert 248 have the same radius of curvature incross section. The grooves 246, 247 are in alignment at one point foreach half rotation of the insert 248 relative to the receptacle 216 toform. When the insert 248 is in the desired position and the grooves 246and 247 are in alignment to form a slot, a locking pin 249 is insertedwith a tool into the aligned grooves 246, 247 or slot, so that lockingpin 249 occupies both grooves and, thereby, prevents rotation of theinsert 248 relative to the receptacle 216.

As shown, the locking pin 249 has a convoluted configuration to providesome flexure to the pin so that may bend or flex as it is inserted. Tothat end, this flexure characteristic provides frictional engagementbetween the pin 249 and the receptacle 216, and frictional engagementbetween the pin 249 and the insert 248 to prevent relative rotationalmovement between the insert 248 and receptacle 216. The invention,however, is not limited to this particular locking mechanism. Otherlocking mechanisms such as adhesives as the above described use ofLoctite may be used. Alternatively, known locking mechanisms such asthose disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180 (a collar or band typedevice), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,795,122 and 7,997,843 that prevent relativerotation between an insert and receptacle may be used.

The receptacle 216 may be installed by inserting the receptacle throughthe aperture 243 of the panel 220, so the flange 242 is preferablyseated in a counter bore associated with the aperture 243, therebysupporting the receptacle 216 in the aperture 243 and on panel 220. Arivet nut tool (not shown), as known to those skilled in the art, isthen used to crimp the rivet nut receptacle to form bulge 244 against asurface of the panel 220 thereby securing the receptacle 216, with theinsert 248, to the second panel 220. Alternatively, the receptacle 216could be installed on the second panel 220 and then the insert 248 maybe installed as described above.

A biasing assembly 240 (also referred to above as a pivoting handleassembly) is shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. The biasing assembly 240, withthe handle 250, controls the manipulation of the stud 214 relative tothe receptacle 216 to secure the panels 218 and 220 together. Morespecifically, when the stud 214 is inserted through the panels 218, 220,and into the insert 250 and receptacle 216 and rotated by the handle 250to engage the cam and locking surfaces 224 the biasing assembly 240biases the stud 214 outward relative to panels 218, 220 locking thecross pin 238 and stud 214 against the cam and locking surfaces 224. Inthis manner, with the receptacle 216 affixed to the panel 220, theoutward biasing of the stud 214 secures the two panels 218, 220together.

With respect to FIGS. 12 and 14, the biasing assembly 240 may comprise abiasing mechanism 234, such as compression spring disposed along aportion of the shaft 230. A cup member or housing 236 surrounds at leasta portion of the biasing mechanism 234 and is slidable along the shaft30. As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 236 has a bottom end 236A disposedbetween a bottom end 234A of the biasing mechanism 234 and a retainerring 217 on the shaft 230. The retainer ring 217 is seated in an annulargroove 215 on the shaft 230. In addition, the assembly 240 includes aspacer 231 disposed between a top end 234B of the biasing mechanism andhead 232 of the shaft and between a bottom of the handle 250.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, diametrically opposed notches 260 areformed in the head 232 to receive opposing legs 251 of the handle 250.The shaft 230 and components of the biasing assembly 240 are dimensionedsuch that when the biasing assembly 240 and the handle 250 are assembledon the shaft 230 of the stud 214, the retainer ring 217 abuts thehousing 236 compressing biasing mechanism 236 against the spacer 231. Inaddition, the spacer 231 is forced against the legs 251 of the handle250 firmly seating the legs 251 of the handle 250 in the notches 260 ofthe head 232. In this manner, the handle 250 can be pivoted between anupright position and a down position, and remain in those positionswithout any outside manipulation.

As further illustrated in FIG. 13, the grommet 212 may include acylindrical collar 222 integrally connected to the cylindrical body 213of the grommet 212 or the flange 226 that is connected to thecylindrical body 213. This embodiment of the grommet 212 may be used,for example, on a floor panel to provide an annular protective barrieraround the handle 250 when in a folded down position. More specifically,the edges of the handle 250 may not be clipped by someone walking pastthe fastener, or the handle 250 is preferably seated within a height ofthe collar 222 to prevent someone from stepping or standing on thehandle, or placement of a heavy object directly on the handle 250.

While the FIGS. 12-16B illustrate the pivoting handle assembly 40 inconnection with a ¼ turn fastener, the assembly 40 may be used withother types of quick-release fasteners such as quick release screwfasteners, push to lock fasteners, 2× and 4× threaded fasteners.

FIG. 14A shows the handle 250 and fastener 210 are in an unlockedposition, in which the stud 214 and cross pin 238 have not beencompletely inserted into the receptacle 216 to engage the insert 248.With respect to FIG. 14B, the fastener 210 and handle 250 are shown inlocked position, wherein a circumferential rim 233 of the housing 231seats within a corresponding recess 235 in the grommet 212 furthercompressing spring 234 between the housing 236 and the spacer 231.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 18.The fastener 310 is of the ¼ turn type, having a grommet 312, a stud314, and a receptacle 316, and may incorporate the various inventionsdescribed and claimed herein. While components of the invention aredescribed in reference to a ¼ turn fastener, the inventions and theirparts may be used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as 2×and 4× threaded fasteners.

The fastener 310 holds together two panels 318, 320, with adjacent sidesof the panels 318, 320 in contact with one another, by extending throughopenings formed in the panels to receive the fastener 310. While theinventions may be described in terms of securing together two panels,the inventions are not intended to be so limited and could be used tosecure together various types of components of structures, machines etc.

The grommet 312 has a cylindrical body 313 sized to extend through theopening in one of the panels, usually an outer panel, and one end of thecylindrical body 313 has a radially outward extending flange 328 toengage the outer surface of the outer pane 318. As will be explained inmore detail below, in an embodiment the cylindrical body 313 maycomprise a lip 315 extending radially inward toward the stud 314 toengage and support a compression spring to secure a handle 350 to a head332 of the stud 314.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 18, the stud 314 has a shaft 330,a head 332 and a cross pin 338 extending through an opening 239 in theshaft 330 at an end 241 opposite to the head 332. The end 241 of theshaft 330 extends through an opening in the outer panel 318, and thecross pin 338 positioned in the opening 339 in the shaft 330, to preventthe assembly of the grommet 212 and the stud 314 from separating fromthe outer panel 318. In addition, when panels are secured together, theshaft 330 is inserted through apertures in each of the panels 318 and320, the grommet 312 and into the receptacle 316. More specifically, thecross pin 338 engages cam and locking surfaces 224 of an insert 348disposed within the receptacle 316.

A handle 350 connected to the head 332 of the stud 314 enablesmanipulation of the stud 314 relative to the grommet 512 and receptacle316 for securing together panels 318, 320. Although not shown in thedrawings, the cylindrical body 313 of the grommet 312 may include one ormore notches for manipulation of the cross-pin 338 and shaft 330 toinsert the same through the grommet 312. The notches preferably includetwo diametrically opposed notches to accommodate the cross-pin 338,which may be used for cylindrical bodies that are 1½ inches in length orlonger.

The receptacle 316 may be the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,180(the '180 Patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,122 (the '122 Patent); U.S. Pat.No. 7,997,843 (the '843 Patent); and, U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,329 (the '329Patent), which are incorporated herein by reference. In anotherembodiment, the receptacle 316 shown in FIGS. 3, 4A-4C and 5A-5D, and12-14, 16A and 16B may be of a rivet nut type installed on a backside ofpanel 320 that may not otherwise be accessible after installation ofpanel 320. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the receptacle 316 is threadedinternally for receiving the insert 348, which is threaded externally.The insert 348 includes a central boring 325 and cam and lockingsurfaces 224 to receive the shaft 330 and cross pin 338 and securetogether panels 318, 320.

The receptacle 316 may be installed by inserting the receptacle 316through the aperture 343 of the panel 320, so the flange 342 ispreferably seated in a counter bore associated with the aperture 343,thereby supporting the receptacle 316 in the aperture 343 and on panel320. A rivet nut tool (not shown), as known to those skilled in the art,is then used to crimp the rivet nut receptacle to form bulge 344 againsta surface of the panel 320 thereby securing the receptacle 316, with theinsert 348, to the second panel 320. Alternatively, the receptacle 316could be installed on the second panel 320 and then the insert 348 maybe installed as described above.

A biasing assembly 340 (also referred to above as a pivoting handleassembly) is shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The biasing assembly 340, withthe handle 350, controls the manipulation of the stud 314 relative tothe receptacle 316 to secure the panels 318 and 320 together. Morespecifically, when the stud 314 is inserted through the panels 318, 320,and into the insert 350 and receptacle 316 and rotated by the handle 350to engage the cam and locking surfaces 324 the biasing assembly 340biases the stud 314 outward relative to panels 318, 320 locking thecross pin 338 and stud 314 against the cam and locking surfaces 224. Inthis manner, with the receptacle 316 affixed to the panel 320, theoutward biasing of the stud 314 secures the two panels 318, 320together.

The biasing assembly 340 may comprise a compression spring 334 disposedalong a portion of the shaft 330. The cylindrical body 313 of thegrommet 312 surrounds at least a portion of the spring 334 and isslidable along the shaft 330. As shown, a retainer ring 317 in the formof a circumferential ridge integrally formed on the shaft 330 betweenthe head 332 and the second end of the shaft. The bottom end 334A of thespring 334 engages the retainer ring or ridge 317. In addition, theassembly 340 includes a spacer 331 disposed between a top end 234B ofthe spring and head 332 of the shaft and between a bottom of the handle350.

With respect to FIGS. 17A and 18, diametrically opposed notches 360 areformed in the head 332 to receive opposing legs 351 of the handle 350.The shaft 330 and components of the biasing assembly 340 are dimensionedsuch that when the biasing assembly 340 and the handle 350 are assembledon the shaft 330 of the stud 314, the spring 334 abuts the ridge 317biasing the spacer 331 against the handle 350. More specifically, abottom end 334A of the spring 334 is disposed against the ridge 317 anda top end 334B of spring 334 is disposed against the legs 351 of thehandle 350. The retainer ring 317 holds the spring 334 in a compressedstate so the handle 350 can be pivoted between a closed, down positionand an open/upright position. In this manner, the handle 350 can bepivoted between an upright position and a down position, and remain inthose positions without any outside manipulation.

While this embodiment includes the retainer ring 317, embodiments maynot require a retainer ring. For example, for fasteners with a shorterstud, the spring 334 may be held in compression by the bottom end of thebottom end of a grommet, which abuts the cross pin 338. With respect toFIG. 19, a grommet 312, according to aspects of the invention, is shownin a sectional view. More specifically, the grommet 312 includes aradially and inwardly lip 315 at the end of the grommet 312 distal theflange 328 and is configured to engage or support the bottom end 334A ofthe spring 334 in a compressed state when a shorter stud may be used. Insuch an embodiment, the shaft 330 may not include the above describedretainer ring or ridge 317, and end of the grommet 312 abuts the crosspin to hold the spring 334 in a compressed state so the handle can bepivoted between a closed/down position or an open/vertical position.

If the fastener 310 includes a longer shaft 330 with a retainer ring orridge 317, the spring 334 is held in a compressed state in part by theposition of the ridge 317 on the shaft 330. When the fastener 310 is ina locked position, as shown in FIG. 17B, the stud 316 has been pressedinto the insert with the cross pin 338 engaging the cam and lockingsurfaces 324 of the insert 348. In such an embodiment, the opening 317in the bottom end of the grommet 312 is sized to slide over the ridge317 when the fastener 310 is in the locked position. As shown in FIGS.17A and 17B, the ridge 317 has a tapered configuration to enable thesliding of the stud 314 relative to the grommet 312 between an unlockedposition (FIG. 17A) and a locked position (FIG. 17B).

While the FIGS. 17A, 17B, 18 and 19 illustrate the pivoting handleassembly 340 in connection with a ¼ turn fastener, the assembly 340 maybe used with other types of quick-release fasteners such as quickrelease screw fasteners, push to lock fasteners, 2× and 4× threadedfasteners.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments areprovided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes andsubstitutions will occur to those of skill in the art without departingfrom the invention herein. Non-limiting examples include a componentthat is described above as being attached to one part of the apparatusmay alternatively be attached to a different part of the apparatus inother embodiments. Parts described as being indirectly connected may beconnected directly to each other, and vice versa. Component parts may beassembled from individual pieces or may be integrally formed as a singleunit. Alternative types of connectors and alternative materials may beused. The apparatus may be used with other types of power tools.Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fastener for securing a first panel to asecond panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel each includean aperture and the apertures are aligned for receiving the fastener,the fastener comprising: a stud including a shaft, a head at a first endof the shaft and distal to a second end of the shaft, wherein the shaftand second end of the shaft are insertable through the apertures in thefirst and second panels; a handle that is pivotally connected to thehead of the stud; a spring disposed along the shaft between the head ofthe stud and the second end of the shaft; a grommet having a flangeportion and cylindrical body connected to the flange and the cylindricalbody surrounds at least a portion of the spring and at least a portionof the shaft; a retainer ring on the shaft between the head of the studand the second end of the shaft; a spacer between the handle and spring,and the spacer is in contact with the handle and spring; and, whereinthe spring has a top end in contact with the spacer and a bottom end incontact with the retainer ring when in an unlocked position and incontact with an interior surface of the cylindrical body of the grommet,when in a locked position.
 2. The fastener of claim 1 wherein theretainer ring is a circumferential ridge integrally formed on the shaft.3. The fastener of claim 2 wherein the receptacle is a rivet nut.
 4. Thefastener of claim 1 further comprising: a receptacle mounted to a secondside of the second panel facing away from the first panel and at theaperture of the second panel, and the receptacle includes an internallythreaded surface; and, an insert configured for threaded engagement withthe receptacle, and the insert having cam and locking surfaces to beengaged by a cross pin on the shaft.
 5. The fastener of claim 4 furthercomprising a locking mechanism at least a portion of which is disposedbetween the receptacle and the insert to lock the insert in a positionwithin the receptacle.
 6. The fastener of claim 5 wherein the lockingmechanism is a locking pin disposed within an axial groove in an outersurface of the insert that is aligned with an axial groove in an innersurface of the receptacle.
 7. The fastener of claim 5 wherein thelocking mechanism is disposed within an axial slot between an outersurface of the insert and an inner surface of the receptacle.
 8. Thefastener of claim 5 wherein the locking mechanism is an adhesive on theinterfacing threaded surfaces of the insert and receptacle.
 9. Thefastener of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body has a circumferentiallip extending radially toward the shaft, and the lip engages the bottomend of the spring when the fastener is in the locked position.
 10. Thefastener of claim 9 further comprising a retaining ring disposed on thecylindrical body of the grommet on the side of the first panel facingthe second panel.
 11. A fastener for securing a first panel to a secondpanel, wherein the first panel and the second panel each include anaperture and the apertures are aligned for receiving the fastener, thefastener comprising: a grommet having a cylindrical body configured tobe inserted through the aperture of the first panel, and a flangeconnected to the cylindrical body to engage an outer surface of thepanel facing away from the second panel; a stud including a shaft, ahead at a first end of the shaft and distal to a second end of theshaft, wherein the shaft and second end of the shaft are insertablethrough the cylindrical body of the grommet and through the apertures inthe first and second panels; a handle that is pivotally connected to thehead of the stud; a spring disposed along the shaft between the head ofthe stud and the second end of the shaft; a grommet having a flangeportion and cylindrical body connected to the flange and wherein thecylindrical body of the grommet surrounds at least a portion of thespring and at least a portion of the shaft; a spacer between the handleand spring, and the spacer is in contact with the handle and spring;and, wherein the spring has a top end in contact with the spacer and abottom end in contact with a surface of the cylindrical body of thegrommet to bias the spacer against the handle.
 12. The fastener of claim11 further comprising a retainer ring on the shaft between the head ofthe stud and the second end of the shaft.
 13. The fastener of claim 12wherein the retainer ring is circumferential ridge integrally connectedwith the shaft of the stud.
 14. The fastener of claim 11 furthercomprising: a receptacle mounted to a second side of the second panelfacing away from the first panel and at the aperture of the secondpanel, and the receptacle includes an internally threaded surface; and,an insert configured for threaded engagement with the receptacle, andthe insert having cam and locking surfaces to be engaged by a cross pinon the shaft.
 15. The fastener of claim 14 wherein in the receptacle isa rivet nut.
 16. The fastener of claim 11 wherein the retainer ring is acircumferential ridge integrally formed on the shaft of the stud.